Per my previous post, I replaced my rad last Fri night with a Spectra unit. Most time consuming rad swap I've ever done at 4 1/2 hours, but that also included replacing the thermostat, accessory belt, the grooved idler pulley (which was failing) and hoses and cleaning out the overflow tank. I did not remove the fan and didn't see it as necessary for additional work space.
The trans lines were the most difficult part of the job. I ended up unscrewing the fittings from the old rad with the lines attached and then separating the lines from the fittings. I used the lisle scissor tool and pressed it between the line and the old fitting with the aid of a pair of channel lock pliers as simple hand pressure was not enough. Now I know how the fitting works I can get the lisle tool to disconnect the line with a bit more ease and could separate the line without removing the old fitting. Still need to tap it into place with a small hammer.
I removed the rad with the side mounts intact and installed the same way. I also completely removed the bolts holding the a/c condenser and the rad mounts rather than just loosen them up and hope for the best. A little grease on the end of the bolt heads kept them stuck in the socket when inverted during reinstall.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd say this job is a 5 for the trans line fitting difficulty and removal and reinstall of the rad and a/c with the side mounts. Ford totally over engineered those mounts.
